By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

A look at three players who will play key roles in Derek Mason’s transition at Vanderbilt.

Former Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason takes over a Vanderbilt program that has won a school-best nine games in back-to-back years. In addition to replacing the energy of James Franklin, Mason must solidify a depth chart that is missing a myriad of key stars. Gone is starting quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, SEC record-holder Jordan Matthews at receiver and all-conference defensive backs Kenny Ladler and Andre Hal, to name a few. Below are three players who will play key roles in Mason’s transition.

Jordan Cunningham, wide receiver — Minus Matthews and Jonathan Krause, only one other wide receiver, Cunningham, caught more than three passes last season. He was one of just a trio of true freshmen to play for Vanderbilt this past fall, finishing the year with 15 receptions for 123 yards. A south Florida prep product listed as a four-star recruit, Matthews chose the Commodores over offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and Southern Cal. He is now Vanderbilt’s top perimeter playmaker.

Paris Head, cornerback — The Commodores have benefited from elite play at the cornerback position the past last few seasons, ranking in the top five in the conference in opponent passer rating in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Head has considerable momentum dating back to the end of last year. He recorded his first career interception against Kentucky in mid-November, then picked off two passes the next week at Tennessee for an encore. A physical talent at 6’1”, Head started the team’s regular season finale against Wake Forest.

Patton Robinette, quarterback — Saw extensive time as a redshirt freshman due to injuries to Carta-Samuels, and performed admirably. Robinette was more effective as a runner than he was polished as a passer in 2013. He rushed for a touchdown in seven of the last eight games he played in. At 6’4”, 214 pounds, Robinette gives Mason options under center as his versatility is difficult to prepare for. The next step in his progression is becoming more consistent throwing the football downfield.